Churches and Cybersecurity Risks

What churches can do to protect against hackers and security breaches.

Elizabeth Jackson

With many churches now relying upon technology and online platforms to share and store information about the church, the risk of churches being targeted by hackers is a growing threat. In fact, failing to take action to prevent hacking or other cybersecurity breaches is a serious oversight for churches that could result in cyberliability claims in the event that the church is targeted by hackers.

“I think any time you have a church that stores information electronically, whether it’s employee information or the information of members of the congregation, there’s exposure for some cyberliability claims or cyberliability types of events,” explains Joshua Lederman, an attorney with Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company.

Churches and Cybersecurity Awareness

Being informed and prepared in the event that the church is targeted by hackers is often not a primary focus of the church.

Lederman points out a startling trend: churches are likely not as informed about cybersecurity threats as are other organizations. “I think across the board there’s less awareness in the church realm,” Lederman says.

That lack of preparedness for cybersecurity threats could make churches more vulnerable to threats.

“That alone could potentially make churches more of a target,” Lederman points out.

Avoiding Liability

Failing to consider the seriousness of cybersecurity threats is something churches cannot afford to do if they want to avoid potential liability issues.

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